Target Practice (Open)

[Ichimura Ryunosuke]

Ryunosuke was pondering while he poured gunpowder into the barrel of his pistol. It had been a year since he left the service of the Takeda, and his heart was still sore from remembering the death of his parents in a gunpowder explosion. Pondering this culprit of many deaths in the firearms smithy he used freely, it made him guilty.

"Did this gunpowder kill its creators on the process?" he thought. But then, this gunpowder flask, as well as the bag of balls and the pistol he was holding right now, were the only reminders of his former life. Almost all of it, if not burnt to powder by the explosion, he himself had burned with the bridge back to his former life as Murai Ryunosuke.

He then set his sight towards a make-shift target with a lot of impact damage. He had been using that target for months to practice his accuracy in using the pistol. He then loaded a crumpled piece of paper into the muzzle of the pistol, then a small metal ball, and then another piece of crumpled paper. With the priming charge ready and the match engaged he aimed towards the target, and pulled the trigger. Sparks flew from the flash pan of the weapon, and the smoke flew to the direction of Ryunosuke's face, but it did not matter. He was as much used to the weapon as when he had killed five soldiers of the Takeda.

The match was all burnt out but Ryunosuke was still aiming at that target. But it took a few seconds before the pistol responded, and this with a loud report. Ryunosuke had felt a recoil that he did not expect to feel from firing that same pistol, and, had he not firmly planted his feet to the ground, he would tumbled over. But the result was that the bullet hit the center of the target, and this is a first in 150 yards.

Ryunosuke, seeing the result, just scratched the back of his head, and said, "Looks like I had poured too much gunpowder."

[Shinomori Katsumi]

Katsumi was perched on a tree, the breeze causing brown hair to wave a bit. Keen, dark eyes were narrowed, following the movement of a sika deer. Katsumi and Haji had been traveling for some time and their supplies were low, and so she went off-road to hunt for food. This was a female, and would be able to feed them for some time. The growl of Katsumi's stomach was a reminder of how important this shot was.

Taking a deep breath, the woman slowly and steadily took aim with her bow and arrow. The sika deer was drinking at a brook, and this was the perfect opportunity...

Suddenly, a loud bang echoed in the air, and it startled Katsumi just as much as it did the deer, the woman masquerading as a man having to catch herself so as not to fall. The deer's head moved up, and it bolted, causing Katsumi to curse.

"Shit!"

There was no way the petite girl was going to allow her meal to just get away like that. She had spent hours tracking the animal, and the archer dropped from the tree and began chasing the beast. With her speed, Katsumi was able to keep a distance to where the deer stayed in sight, and the trees began to thin. Soon enough, she saw the outline of a clearing and, upon reaching the outskirts of it, the woman dressed in a loose, black kimono and charcoal hakama dropped to her knee and took aim. Biting down on her bottom lip, the woman released her bow and hoped she would hit her mark.

And she did!

"Good!" she exclaimed, quickly jumping to her feet. While there was no smile tugging at her lips, Katsumi was certainly pleased, and began to bound over to the kicking animal. But from the corner of her eye, she saw a figure, and Katsumi halted, turning her head. The petite archer blinked, seeing what looked like a boy with those contraptions called guns, she thought. Never caring for them, Katsumi never really bothered getting to understand them. Shifting a little uncomfortably, she called out in her false tenor, bowing near the end, "I, uh... I'm sorry if... if I interrupted you. I'll... uh... get this out of here as quickly as I can and... and be on my way."

[Ichimura Ryunosuke]

Ryunosuke checked his pistol if there are fractures in its barrel. That kind of explosion due to too much gunpowder might have been dangerous both to the gun and the user, and more so when the barrel became cracked due to that much gunpowder. If a gun with a fractured barrel is fired, the gun might disintegrate in an explosion, putting the life of its owner at risk.

After the check, it seemed that the barrel was still intact and in one piece, but Ryunosuke was not yet sure about his own check. The barrel had not yet cleaned fully so it is hard to conclude tht the pistol is still in firing condition. "That's it for a day" he thought, and stood up from the ground that he was sitting on. He walked towards the target when...

A figure bolted from the trees around the clearing. Seeing the figure, he started to pour gunpowder into the barrel of his pistol. As soon as he finished pouring gunpowder, he then took another glance towards the figure. It was a running sika deer, and it was somewhat plump. As it was rare to find a deer that was that plump, he found himself pressing a piece of wadding into the barrel. This was a rare chance that he did not want to spoil. But, from the corner of his eye, he saw a person aiming his bow at the running deer. A quick twang from the bowstring, and the arrow was set off on its way to the thigh of the rear leg of the deer, taking it down. The person seemed to be gleeful as he pranced to his game; he must have been very hungry. He just smiled as he watched the person. But the person seemed wary of his existence as he apologized to him for "interrupting" him.

Ryunosuke just replied, "You did not interrupt me, in fact, I am entertained watching your hunting. A good shot, my poor artillery skill could not compare with that."

 

[Shinomori Katsumi]

Katsumi seemed embarrassed by the compliment, and shifted from where she stood, gaze dropped down. Her fingers toyed at her bow, nails picking at the blade and tugging at the sleeve of her kimono. With her past, it was hard for her to take a compliment, even now with making friends and having Haji in her life. She wasn't sure if she'd ever get used to it, and the girl masquerading as a man swallowed.

"Oh... oh. T... Thank you. I... I still have much to learn and improve upon yet."

Her eyes looked at the gun with curiosity, and even a hint of wariness, and she commented, "I've only ever seen those at certain vendors..."

The sika deer made a pained noise, and the archer glanced over at the animal. It was laying on the ground, fruitlessly trying to get back up and flee. A sigh escaped her lips and Katsumi moved forward, unsheathing her knife. Kneeling down, her hand stroked the neck of the beast, fingers gliding over the damp fur, and, after a moment's pause, the knife plunged in, deeply slitting the throat to finally end her suffering and crimson colouring the archer's hands.

[Ichimura Ryunosuke]

Ryunosuke smiled. "A good shot at 100 yards and you say that there's much to improve. I'm sure you'll end up as a legendary marksman in the annals of history soon enough." Though he was adamant to take that title for himself, it doesn't matter for him if another person could do it as long as he or she proved that he or she was worthy of it.

When the man made a comment about his gun being seen at some vendors, he said, "Yes, since that shipwreck in the island of Tanegashima these guns started being manufactured. Not because of their accuracy in general, but because everybody can use and properly aim it. The projectile is not much affected by the wind, and had so much power it could break through armor in a good range. Its disadvantages is that it is expensive to produce, it lasts shorter than most bows, it has a short range and sometimes an unpredictable trajectory, and it is sometimes unsafe to use. Guns are good, but there are a lot of battles where bows are better."

As he watched the person deal the final blow at the deer, Ryunosuke wanted to know more about the person. The person was a good marksman, and being in companionship with him will make him learn more about making accurate shots. And he seemed to be a good person, one who he can share his sentiments with. He introduced himself, "I am Ichimura Ryunosuke, a ronin residing in Totomi for some time. And you are...?"

[Shinomori Katsumi]

Such a compliment caused Katsumi to blush, and her gaze dropped away from his again. What a silly thought! For her to be considered among the top archers. Certainly, she was skilled, and yet no matter where she was she never saw herself as good enough. Even with her father long dead, such a sentiment was still entirely ingrained in her.

He began to discuss about guns and, while cutting up the animal, Katsumi listened intently. She found it to be rather interesting, despite her general dislike for guns. The woman couldn't imagine anything feeling better or more right in her hands than a bow, but that didn't mean that she disregarded guns. She simply shied away from them due to be loud and, well... all of the reasons the boy listed. What he said only confirmed that within her mind. Katsumi would always stick with her bow, and this boy could be with his guns. Both could be happy with their weapon choice.

"It sounds like, with time, perhaps the gun will improve, as have bows. That... ought to be interesting to see."

She briefly stopped and her dark eyes moved over to the boy as he introduced himself. He was smaller, even smaller than her, and so she suspected he must have been a child. But she would not treat him as such, as Katsumi, with her limited social skills and experience, treated just about everyone the same.

Bowing her head in his direction, Katsumi gave her alias, "Saito Hiroshi. I... am a mercenary. I have wandered just about all of my life, so... I suppose I don't really have a set home."

And yet, as Haji flashed within her mind, gaze softening, Katsumi knew that anywhere with him, she would consider home.

[Ichimura Ryunosuke]

As the person introduced himself, Ryunosuke took the name in mind. Maybe he would meet the person again after some time. He then bowed in response and said, "Nice to meet you, Saito Hiroshi-san."

He then packed his things in order, but keeping the pistol in his free hand and the pistol's ammunition slung on his shoulder. He then said, "When you visit Totomi, you could find me running a smithy in the marketplace. I mostly craft farm implements in my shop, but I also craft weapons for myself in my free time." Indeed, his ammunition was finely suited to his ability, and the pistol he was holding was maintained regularly and was in its excellent condition before the firing miscalculation.

He continued, "I was also a part of the militia there. But I could be asked as a companion whenever anyone needs help, so long as the person has good intentions."

[Shinomori Katsumi]

"The same to you, Ichimura-san," said Katsumi, nodding her head. The archer blinked, lips pursing, and replied after Ryu talked about his work and visiting, "Oh, I see. If and when I go to Totomi, I... will have to visit."

She barely knew the boy, but, simply put, Katsumi was curious as to how one made the ammunition of guns. The girl made her own arrows, and Ryu seemed to do the same thing. Most often bought their ammo, but Katsumi made her own to save money and because she knew she could trust her own work. She wondered if the reason was the same for Ryu, but decided on not expressing such a question as of yet. It wasn't appropriate and was unnecessary after all, and so she continued gutting the sika deer.

Katsumi blinked in surprise and her brows raised. The militia? The boy was even shorter than her and appeared to be a child. He couldn't possibly be old enough to be employed to the militia, could he? While there was always concern about coming across as rude, Katsumi's curiosity was simply to much, and she inquired softly, head tilting to the side, "The militia? I... I don't mean to be rude, but... how... old are you?"

[Ichimura Ryunosuke]

Ryunosuke, on hearing the sudden question about his age, became flushed. Of course with the facial features as his and his height, he would look like a 10-year-old child. He doesn't really know how to explain this situation to Hiroshi, as his circumstances didn't permit him to do so.

"Ummm... how can I say this..."

Now that he remembered, how he joined the militia was an anti-climactic encounter. A group of bandits attacked the militia of Totomi as he passed this prefecture on his escape from the Takeda. He quickly rushed into the fray with his pistol, sniping out some bandits before the militia overran them. When the leader of the militia saw him fighting off the bandits and had taken out a lot of them, he was very grteful and offered Ryunosuke a place to stay. When Ryunosuke was asked about his age, he was truthful in his answer, and the leader was so shocked that he didn't see the leader again, except on some general call-to-arms. But the truth was the truth, and so Ryunosuke hoped it doesn't shock Hiroshi.

"I'm... seventeen."

[Shinomori Katsumi]

The guts at this point were removed and cast aside. She wasn't going to use them, but it would be good food for the animals of the forest, so there was no harm in throwing them out here.

She began working on removing the colon, pulling it out of the body, as Ryu said is actual age. Katsumi blinked and turned towards him, not expecting that answer. She looked him over again. He was actually older than she was. The woman was surprised, but didn't ponder it too long. Because she was a woman posing as a man, Katsumi came across as rather young looking for a boy, as well.

"You are a year older than me. Huh," she said with slight interest, pursing her lips and blinking. The woman than turned to the deer and began removing the organs, casting some aside and saving the rest. "Well... it's pretty impressive that you have your own shop, Ichimura-san. And then... a skilled gunman on top of that. People... they always seem to expect so little from those who are our age. Lack of experience, or... or some excuse like that."

She internally scoffed at that idea. Lack of experience, her ass. Katsumi had gone through hell and back, and through it again and again, in her short life. She had seen and done things, and had far more fighting and training experience than most would go through in their entire lives.

But there was no time to linger on trivial matters such as that. Katsumi was a very practical person. She needed to finish taking care of this deer and drag it back to camp to cook up dinner and then do the skinning and treatment. A pelt would help with the cold weather, or Haji and Kat could sell it. Either way.

Turning towards Ryu, Katsumi tilted her head and inquired softly, "Once I finish here, I will be dragging it back to camp. If... If you would like a meal... you could come with me. I have a.... friend with me. He should be back there."

It seemed odd to call Haji simply a friend, but it was their cover much of the time and Kat especially wasn't going to tell a stranger that they were lovers.

Katsumi was a rather wary person and didn't generally let people in or trust them, but the very least she could do was offer this young man some food, especially for bothering him while he practiced.

[Ichimura Ryunosuke]

((Had an RP with Haji while waiting for your reply, but since Ryu had not seen Haji's face yet in that RP, why not.))

Ryunosuke pondered on Hiroshi's words. Of course the people all around him would belittle him for being young, not to mention having a body which looked like a child. But whatever they say, what mattered was what did he manage to do while they insult. Insults did not matter to him now, being able to do what others can not do was more important for him.

When Hiroshi almost finished gutting up the deer, Ryunosuke was asked if he could be a companion for a meal. He replied, smiling, "As if I don't have much time here. All right, I would accompany you for a meal. And I would like to see your friend, too. I would just pack up my things here, and I'm ready to go." He then folded the wooden target over, and then slung it on his shoulder. He then waited on Hiroshi until the gutting of the deer is complete.

[Shinomori Katsumi]

(It's alright. At this point, just about everyone has roleplayed with Haji, Kat, or both. xD)

She nodded and continued her work as Ryu packed up his things. It didn't take long for her to finish her work, and Kat laid out a canvas and set the carcass over top. Tying ropes here and there, the archer eventually stood up. Now she could drag the deer back over to camp.

Glancing over at Ryu, she saw that he was ready and said, "Alright. Let's go then."

She would make her way to the camp, walking for a while, and responding to Ryu if he would say anything, but otherwise remaining quiet. Eventually they would arrive and Katsumi would blink upon not seeing Haji.

"Hmm... he must... be getting water or wood," murmured the woman. Turning to Ryu, she said, "Would... you like to help me with the meat and cooking dinner?"

[Ichimura Ryunosuke]

As Ryunosuke and Hiroshi moved towards Hiroshi's camp when the gutting of the deer was finished, Ryunosuke pondered about his current condition. Being on the run from the Takeda had brought him to Totomi, but what would happen if the Takeda invaded Totomi and those who seek his blood saw him again? Should he sacrifice the people of Totomi just to have a shelter from those who seek him ruin? Many questions had been running on his head, but the train of thoughts stopped when they arrived at the camp.

It seemed that Hiroshi's friend had gone from the camp, and as Hiroshi suggested, might be getting water or wood to make a fire. They seemed to be very good friends; they help each other frequently as they were on a journey. Ryunosuke had wanted such a companionship, but being an outlaw in the eyes of the Takeda might not permit him to have such a friend. But still he would try. There should be a person who understood him even with his dark past.

When Ryunosuke was asked by Hiroshi if he could help with the cooking and the meat, he replied, "I could help, as I had been living alone for 2 years and had learned to survive by myself." That was true, since he had no companions since the day he ran away from the Takeda. "Well, so how can I help?"

[Shinomori Katsumi]

She nodded, understanding about survival. While she had lived with her father for all of those years, it was rougher than being on her own. She had to survive in the traditional sense and from him, so now it felt comparatively easier with her father dead. Inhaling deeply, Katsumi glanced down at the deer, speaking in her false tenor, "The deer... the skin needs to be removed and it needs to be butchered, but... since I am already bloody... I can do it. But... what about... cutting up some vegetables and helping prepare the stew?"

They needed water and so she pursed her lips, looking around the camp. She expected Haji to be there with water by then, and the fact that he wasn't there. Well... it concerned her, brows furrowing in the slightest. But when her eyes moved over to the single tent, she blinked. It was... a couple of buckets?

Moving over to the buckets, she saw that they were full and that there was a note. Picking up the note, Katsumi realized that Haji had come and went, stating something about helping some nearby people and that he wasn't sure how long he would be gone. Pursing her lips, the woman sighed, both in relief and also slight disappointment.

"Haji-kun... may not join us after all," remarked the woman. After tucking away the message, she brought over the buckets. "I suppose... first and foremost, the water should be heated up, if... if you could do that too, please."

The butchering would take the longest, and so she was hoping Ryu would do the rest while she worked on the meat.

Tag: Ichimura Ryunosuke

[Ichimura Ryunosuke]

"All right, I understand," Ryunosuke replied. "So, I would be heating up the water and cut the vegetables, is that right?" Without waiting for the reply, he then sat at the front of what supposed to be the bonfire in the camp, after gathering the needed wood and tinder. He then took a length of wick from his bag of ammunition, arranged it as a spiral within the center of the bonfire, placed the tinder on the spiral formed by the match, and then inserted the other end of the wick through the barrel and onto the match of the pistol. He then pulled the trigger of the pistol, and the wick was ignited by the match, and the spark traveled, burning up the wick, out of the barrel and into the spiral, igniting the tinder on the spiral. He then proceeded to place the dried leaves on the fire that he made, and then small branches, and until the fire was large enough to burn up large chunks of wood. When the fire was large enough for cooking, he then scooped up water from the buckets into a pot that will be used for cooking stew. He then brought the pot of water to boil, while he got the vegetables and started to cut them up.

While he was peeling one of the vegetables, he asked Hiroshi, "This Haji-kun that you spoke of, he is your friend, right? And that note is from him, I presume? Why would he not join us now? Is there any work for him within some village?"